SERI KEMBANGAN assemblyman Ean Yong Hiah Wah would be running his family manufacturing business in Semenyih had he lost in the general election.

However his second attempt proved to be fruitful as he not only beat two others for the seat, he is now the state executive councillor in charge of New Village Develop-ment and Illegal Factory Task-force.

“I was ready to run the family business if I had lost. Instead, I find myself crafting out a good management plan as both an exco member and an assemblyman,” said the 29-year-old accountancy graduate.

Ean Yong, who is also known as Au Yong to others, must thank his college mate Bukit Bendera MP Liew Chin Tong (with whom he attended the New Era College in Kajang), for helping him to make his inroad into politics.

“He was the one who introduced me to DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang six years ago. I was made chairman of the state DAP two years ago although I lost in the 2004 general election in Kampung Tunku,” he added.

Ean Yong has a penchant for mountain climbing. His last outing was up Gunung Tahan.

If mountaineering is easy for Ean Yong, his new position as an exco member would not be as easy as it comes with the heavy responsibilities of serving the rakyat.

StarMetro: How much time do you spend on the computer?

Ean Yong: I normally spend around six to seven hours a day on the computer both at the office and at home.

StarMetro: Do you play a musical instrument, dance or sing?

Ean Yong: I play acoustic guitar. I enjoy it and I’m glad that I chose it.

StarMetro: What kind of music do you listen to? Name a favourite song?

Ean Yong: I love Mariah Carey and David Tao. Hero is one of my favourites.

StarMetro: Are you into movies. Name a favourite movie?

Ean Yong: I love “Star Wars”. I have the whole collection.

StarMetro: How do you stay healthy?

Ean Yong: I love mountain climbing. I’ve climbed Gunung Tahan four times since I was 13.

StarMetro: What do you read. What was the last book you read?

Ean Yong: I read The World is Flat by Thomas L. Friedman.

StarMetro: Coffee or Tea?

Ean Yong: I like cappuccino.

On top of things: Ean Yong working on his laptop in his office at the State Secretariat building in Shah Alam.

StarMetro: What languages can you speak?

Ean Yong: I speak English, Malay, Mandarin, Hakka and Cantonese.

StarMetro: What is the gadget you can’t do without?

Ean Yong: At this moment, I think hand phone is the “must”.

StarMetro: What is your contribution to environmental conservation?

Ean Yong: I love the rainforest and islands of Malaysia. I’d hate to see it destroyed.

StarMetro: What is your favourite food and drink?

Ean Yong: Any food that is typical Malaysian and it must go well with water (my favourite drink)

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Roles and responsibilities of councillors

Roles and responsibilities of councillors

As part of the local council administrative system, councillors carry these roles and responsibilities.

As a committee member who makes decisions on approval for applications like planning, development, and licensing. Yet at the same time their actions should not be contradictory and against the policy decided upon by the local council for the public interest.

To advice the local government on matters relevant to their expertise and profession

To represent the people and the local community in matters pertaining to their living condition at the respective local council.

As a mediator between the community and the local council and to serve as the patron for their residents association.

To relay the feedback and response given by the local community on the quality of service given by the local council.

To be policy and decision makers. To draw a set of local by-laws as a guide for administrative purposes in solving the local issues and on how to give best service to the people.

To draw the policy to determine the direction of the local council and the direction has to augur well with the state and central government’s policies and at the same time meet what the people want.

As spokesman for the local council to ensure that policies drawn at the local authority are accepted by the local community.

To get a response from the community if there is any abuse of misuse of power or funds by the local council.

To encourage public participation on activities and programs organised by the local council.

Appointment of the councillors

The Local Government Act 1976

Section 10 (1) - the local authority shall consist of the mayor or president and not less than eight not more than 24 other councillors to be appointed by the state authority.

residing in the respective local council

Have wide experience and knowledge in local government affairs

Achieved distinction in any profession, commerceor industry

Able to represent the interest of the community they are serving

Editor’s Note: If you have any comments or views on this issue of councillors, please write to us at metro@thestar.com.my.